A thermoelectric module connects thermoelectric material pairs between thermal faces. Electrical series connections and thermal parallel connections combine their transport responses for thermoelectric cooling or electrical generation.
A thermoelectric generator converts part of a heat flow driven by a temperature difference into electrical output through the Seebeck effect. Thermoelectric legs connect hot and cold sides; their electrical arrangement combines the generated voltages while their thermal paths carry heat between the sides.
A load draws electric current, so delivered power depends on both open-circuit voltage and internal resistance. Shorting the output gives current but zero terminal voltage, while an open circuit gives voltage but no useful delivered power. Thermal contacts and heat leakage alter the actual leg temperatures, so a material's thermoelectric figure of merit alone does not specify the complete generator's efficiency.
A thermoelectric generator whose heat supply comes from radioactive decay. The Seebeck effect converts part of a temperature-driven heat flow into electrical output. The source's thermal power and the electrical power delivered by the converter are distinct quantities.
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